johnson outboard

[jameslong]

I have a 1978 6hp johnson outboard . How does this outboard know it is in neutral to start. I think it is in the stator. Or will it start in gear.

[crosbyman]

well if it does start in gear …best to start it in neutral regardless to be safe  and not go for a swim  or hit something

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[seakaye12]

According to the parts manual;  your model originally was equipped with a Neutral starter interlock mechanism that would prevent the recoil starter from operating if the gear lever was in forward or reverse.  It would only allow pulling the rope if the engine was in neutral.  It was/is a simple mechanical interlock.  Nothing to do with the stator.

Here’s the parts listing.  Be aware that sometimes these parts are removed;  your engine may or may not still have a functioning interlock.

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1978&hp=6&model=6804B&manufacturer=Evinrude&section=Rewind+Starter

Part #7 on the illustration.

[Mumbles]

I hate to differ but the six horse motors never did have a neutral safety interlock device and the motors will start regardless of the shifter position. What they did use was a cam follower to prevent the starter from working if the throttle was opened up too far. It worked off the mag plate and would lock the starter once the timing was too far advanced. This was only used on later models and it was up to the operator to make sure the shift lever was in neutral before tugging on the rope.

[billw]

Not to be a wise guy, but earlier motors had an interlock, built into the operator’s mind. Back then, it was called common sense. Over the years, the government has mandated so many safety devices to protect us from ourselves, that common sense is becoming a thing of the past.

Back to the original post: When you shift the engine, you should clearly feel three distinct positions: forward, neutral and reverse. If you cannot clearly feel these positions, there may be something mechanically wrong….Maybe a shift bushing has become too tight from corrosion, either at the shift handle itself, or in the lower unit…..or maybe the stiff spring arm that rides against the shift shaft in the lower unit, dropping into three detents in the shaft itself, is missing or not functioning properly.

Long live American manufacturing!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by billw.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by billw. Reason: readability

[Tubs]

.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by Tubs.

[jameslong]

I have messed with small outboards for 60 years, I agree with you. I think I have often restarted my 6 when stopped fishing to move somewhere else. My 6 will pull start in forward , n, or r. When asked I could not bet $ that it did. Thanks for your reply.

[jameslong]

I have messed with outboards for 50 years, I would bet $ that I have restarted my 6 when in gear. The interlock you are talking about if on my 6 I can pull the rope in F,N or R . Thanks for your infomation. I really thought the stator had a safety position on it

[Buccaneer]

I grew up with “non shift” motors, so you learned fast to have the boat pointing the
correct way when you pulled the rope!

Prepare to be boarded!

1 user thanked author for this post.

David Bartlett

[jameslong]

Thanks for the interest.

[Author]

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